Cubs call up Samardzija

» 11 mins ago: Cubs call up Samardzija « on Friday after placing closer Kerry Wood on the disabled list with a blister on his right index finger. Samardzija, a former Notre Dame football star, was a starter in the minor leagues, going 7-6 with a 4.29 ERA for Iowa and Double-A Tennessee. He made his final six minor league starts for Iowa, going 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA. He struck out 40 in 37 1-3 innings. "We're going to put him in the bullpen and probably use him in the middle to get his feet wet," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "The sooner we get him in, the better. He's throwing strikes and getting people out. We'll give him a nice opportunity and see what he... [read full story]